Methods of Data Collection

1. Methods of Data Collection

2. The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character • The secondary data, on the other hand, are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have already been passed through the statistical process

3. COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA • (i) observation method, • (ii) interview method, • (iii) through questionnaires, • (iv) through schedules, and • (v) other methods which include (a) warranty cards; (b) distributor audits; (c) pantry audits; (d) consumer panels; (e) using mechanical devices; (f) through projective techniques; (g) depth interviews, and (h) content analysis.

4. Observation Method • Most commonly used method specially in studies relating to behavioural sciences • Information is sought by way of investigator’s own direct observation without asking from the respondent • Subjective bias is eliminated, if observation is done accurately • Information obtained under this method relates to what is currently happening • Independent of respondents’ willingness to respond • Very limited information • Structured observation & Unstructured observation • Participant observation & non-participant observation • controlled & uncontrolled observation.

5. Personal interview • Structured interviews & unstructured interviews • Focused interview • Clinical interview • Non-directive interview • Merits & demerits of interview methods • Pre-requisites and basic tenets of interviewing

6. Telephone interviews • This method of collecting information consists in contacting respondents on telephone itself. It is not a very widely used method, but plays important part in industrial surveys, particularly in developed regions. • Merits & demerits.

7. COLLECTION OF DATA THROUGH QUESTIONNAIRES • Questionnaire is sent (usually by post) to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the questionnaire • The respondents have to answer the questions on their own • Pilot Survey • Main aspects of a questionnaire :general form, question sequence and question formulation and wording

8. Essentials of a good questionnaire • Short and simple • Logical sequence moving from easy to more difficult question • Personal and intimate questions should be left to the end. • Technical terms and vague expressions capable of different interpretations should be avoided in a questionnaire • Open-ended should be avoided • Control questions in the questionnaire which indicate the reliability of the respondent • Questions affecting the sentiments of respondents should be avoided • Adequate space for answers • There should always be provision for indications of uncertainty, e.g., “Do not know,” “no preference” and so on • Brief directions with regard to filling up the questionnaire should invariably be given in the questionnaire itself • Physical appearance

9. COLLECTION OF DATA THROUGH SCHEDULES • schedules (proforma containing a set of questions) are being filled in by the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose • Enumerators explain the aims and objects of the investigation and also remove the difficulties which any respondent may feel in understanding the implications of a particular question or the definition or concept of difficult terms. • Enumerators should be trained

10. SOME OTHER METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION • Warranty cards • Distributor or store audits • Pantry audits • Consumer panels • Use of mechanical devices • Projective techniques :(i) Word association tests (ii) Sentence completion tests (iii) Story completion tests (iv) Verbal projection tests (v)Pictorial techniques(vi) Play techniques (vii) Quizzes, tests and examinations • Depth interviews • Content-analysis

11. COLLECTION OF SECONDARY DATA • (a) various publications of the central, state are local governments; • (b) various publications of foreign governments or of international bodies and their subsidiary organisations; • (c) technical and trade journals; • (d) books, magazines and newspapers; • (e) reports and publications of various associations • connected with business and industry, banks, stock exchanges, etc.; • (f) reports prepared by research scholars, universities, economists, etc. in different fields; and • (g) public records and statistics, historical documents, and other sources of published information

12. Characteristics of Secondary Data • Reliability of data • Suitability of data • Adequacy of data

13. SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE METHOD FOR DATA COLLECTION • Nature, scope and object of enquiry • Availability of funds • Time factor • Precision required

14. Thanks